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Early voting begins Tuesday

Higher-than-average number of voters expected for Democratic primary

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  • David Tewes •
  • Originally published February 16, 2008 at 11:32 p.m., updated February 16, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.

Charley Kidder has been voting since he turned 21, the legal age for casting ballots in his day.

“I have voted religiously,”the 83-year-old Victoria resident said. “I have never missed an election.”

And Kidder, a lifelong Democrat, said he doesn’t intend to miss this year’s primary on Tuesday, March 4.

Early voting for both the Republican and Democratic primaries begins Tuesday and continues through Feb. 29.

There are no local contested races on the Republican ballot, but it will have initiatives dealing with immigration, requiring photo identification for voters and controlling government growth.

The Democrats have seven people running for Precinct 1 county commissioner and four running for Precinct 1 constable.

Candidates must get more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.

The horse race for the Democratic presidential nomination could also help that party have a double-digit turnout.

“Prior to February, we were expecting a fairly low turnout, possibly 7 or 8 percent per party,” said George Matthews, the county elections administrator.

But voters are seeing the Democrat’s race for the presidential nomination isn’t over and Texas could play a key role in that decision, said Stephen Jabbour, the party’s county chairman.

That should have a strong impact on Victoria County’s turnout, he said.

“I’d say it will be double what it traditionally is,” he said. “Texas has a pivotal role in the selection of our nominee for president.”

Turnout in Victoria County has traditionally been low among Hispanic and black voters, Jabbour said. But he noted one presidential candidate, Barack Obama, is black and another, Hilary Clinton, has strong support from Hispanics.

Mary Anne Wyatt, the Republicans’ county chairwoman, said as the race for president evolves, Texans have a chance to make a statement by voting.

“To be real honest, I’m not expecting a big Republican turnout,” she said. “But it’s important to vote anytime you have a chance to vote.”

Matthews echoed Wyatt’s comments about each election being important.

“In this election, it’s easier for people to see because the presidential race is very tight,” he said. “It’s necessary for not only the Democrats to turn out, but also for the Republicans to show they’re ready for the election come November.”

There are about 53,000 registered voters in Victoria County.

Matthews said turnout for the Democrats could be as high as 10 or 12 percent because of the interest in the presidential race. If the Republicans get busy and generate enough interest, their turnout could be as high as 8 or 9 percent, he said.

David Tewes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6515 or dtewes@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.


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